The next day, the shooting of the main part of the variety show began officially. They drove about an hour and half to reach the destination.
Qing Shan Valley, as the name suggested, was a very scenic place. The valley was surrounded by the hill ranges. The slopes of some of the hills looked as if they were being covered by soft green carpets. While on some, tall trees grew with evergreen leaves.
The province where the valley is a part of is one of few tropical areas of the Eastern Nation. Despite being in the peak of winter, the only thing reminding Viviana of the season was the slight chill she felt when the breeze grazed her skin.
They arrived at Phase VI of the valley which was one of the most popular spots in the valley. For the next two days, the production team reserved the area for filming purposes.
Viviana saw the flags and tents set up in the open space in front of what looked like an inn. There was a lake not far away from the field.
Over all, it was a perfect spot for camping and picnics.
But with all the flag decorations, it looked more like the field of a school on the annual sports day.
"Looks like we will not be relaxing anytime soon." Le Yang thought out loud.
"Yup!!" Na Yun had the same thought as his teammate. "From the looks of it, we are up for some sports."
"Are they going to starve us again?" Chun Hua, the chess player, was hoping that it was not the case.
"Just to rain on my parade. I was really hoping that it would be a real vacation this time." Rou Xuan also voiced her despair.
Everyone had some things to say about what the production was planning. Some were unwilling to have to compete just to have a meal. While the rest were already anticipating what was coming for them.
And Viviana like any gossip monger was taking in the pleasure witnessing the troubles of the conflicted guests. She had already forgotten the dissatisfaction of having to do heavy makeup under Agent Yan's watchful eyes.
But she was glad that she didn't have to wear a dress like the previous day. How did she escape that disaster?
She just didn't pack those types of clothes.
Agent Yan was furious when he came to know of this. He didn't have the time to check what she had packed in her luggage the previous morning. He was so concerned about Lyra that the thought didn't even cross his mind.
Another person who was not satisfied by this situation was Lyra. Although Viviana had makeup, because of her outfit, the stylist didn't go as heavy as the previous day.
Heavy makeup or not, Viviana was gifted with great looks. Now with Viviana wearing a similar outfit, which were comfortable casual wears, Lyra knew she would not get a chance to shine.
.
.
.
"Ladies and Gentleman, brothers and sisters. This is your host, Tang Tang, welcoming you to the 7th episode of Happy Trip Together…."
Tang Tang began the show. She stood at the small circular platform while the camera man followed her gestures.
And as everyone predicted, the production team was bent on making them fight for their food. But this time they also had to compete for their accomodations.
"You see that villa over there…"
Tang Tang pointed at the structure behind the field.
"YES!!!" The guest responded in unison.
Then the host pointed at the three medium sized tents set up not far away from the lake.
"And do you see those tents?"
"YES!!!"
"That will be where you sleep tonight."
"…"
The guest waited for the host to explain.
"First the group will be divided into two teams. Red team and Blue team. The two teams will have to compete in various games to get points. The team with more points gets to choose where to stay the night_ in the coziness of the villa. Or under the cover of the tent."
As they got the context, somebody asked.
"How do we divide the team?"
"Good question." Tang Tang commented before she went ahead to explain the rules of the team division.
She stepped off the platform and went to the table that was placed nearby. On it were two boxes with a hole on each, big enough to fit one's arm.
Tang Tang placed her hand on the bigger box and continued.
"On these boxes are balls of two colors_ Red and Blue. You are to pick a ball from the box which will determine whether you belong to the Red Team or the Blue Team."
The guest under the rules. But there was a question they wanted to ask.
As if she could read their mind Tang Tang immediately continued her explanation.
"Now… If you're wondering why there are two boxes here. That's because our production team is very concerned about fair play. So they came up with the idea to divide the male and female population in group equality between the two teams."
"This box" She placed her hand on the bigger box. "is for the male guest. It has six balls in it. Three blue and three red."
Then she pointed at the other box.
"While this box is meant for the female guest. With four balls. Two of each color."
"Ahh…."
The guest nodded to the explanation.
"So… who shall go first? Male or Female?" Tang Tang asked the ten guests.
"Isn't it always ladies first?" Derrick wiggled his eyebrows at the four women in the group.
"Let's try something different today." Rou Xuan suggested.
"Yes. Let the gentlemen have their turn first." Chun Hua added.
Lyra joined the two as they giggled together. She then turned to Viviana and asked,
"Or… Sister Vivi" She turned to Viviana and made a sorry face, as though she was feeling guilty for not asking the older girl's opinion.
"Would you like to go for it first?"
Viviana had to mentally drag herself from rolling her eyes. Lyra made it sound as if she would snap at her if she was not give the first chance.
The actress only shook her head a little before she turned to her side to cover up her yawn. It did little cover up though, as it was all captured by the camera.